Services expand at St. Luke

By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Urology services at St. Luke Hospital in Marion have expanded with arrival of two new pieces of equipment.

Liz Trevorrow, clinic manager for urologist Kristopher Carlson, said a prostate biopsy probe would make it possible for Carlson to perform ultrasound-guided biopsies for patients with elevated prostrate screening scores or abnormal prostate scans.

“This allows Dr. Carlson to perform prostate biopsies right here at St. Luke Hospital instead of patients having to drive to Topeka, Wichita or Newton,” Trevorrow said.

A new bladder scanner allows the clinic to see how completely patients are able to empty their bladder.

“This simple scan, which takes roughly a minute and is completely non-invasive, is used for patients who suffer from urinary retention or chronic urinary tract infections as well as many other conditions,” Trevorrow said.

Carlson already performs cystoscopies at St. Luke, Trevorrow said. Cystoscopies involve using a small camera inserted into the bladder to diagnose blood in the urine, bladder stones or stones in the urethra, or cysts. The cystoscope is used also to place or remove stents.